Dozens of AI experts from around the world called for a boycott against the Korean Institute of science and technology (KAIST) for their new research center, which cooperates with one of the largest manufacturers in South Korea weapons.
International scientists have expressed concern that in the laboratory, a major South Korean University is collaborating with leading the country’s defense company hanwha in systems aimed at “accelerating arms race” to develop Autonomous weapons.
AI of more than 50 scientists from 29 countries have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of KAIST in fear that the activities of the research centre for rapprochement of national defense and artificial intelligence may lead to “killer robots”. The researchers announced that they temporarily refuse to cooperate with University or host visitors from KAIST.
“We therefore publicly declare that we will boycott all cooperation with any part of KAIST as long as the President of KAIST provides the guarantee that we sought, but not received, that the Centre will not develop Autonomous weapons is not enough meaningful human control” boycotting the letter reads.
The letter comes ahead of a meeting of the United Nations in Geneva next week on Autonomous weapons, and more than two dozen countries have called for a ban on killer robots. The application of AI to global military raised fears that Autonomous weapons might not be able to accurately distinguish friend from foe.
Meanwhile, University officials insist that research aimed at improving existing defense systems.
“As a school, we value human rights and ethical standards to a very high extent”, – said the President of KAIST, this, sung-Chul Shin, said in a statement, adding that he was saddened by the news of the boycott. “I once again confirm that KAIST will not conduct any research activities that are contrary to human dignity, including Autonomous weapons is not enough meaningful human control.”
Sourse: sputniknews.com
